ÖHs

ÖHs, short for Österreichische Hochschülerinnen- und Hochschulvertretung, are the official student representation bodies in Austrian higher education. They operate as a federation of local student unions at public universities and as the nationwide coordinating body that advocates for students’ interests in academia and beyond.

Local ÖHs participate in university governance, advising on budgets, curricula, and student services, and they coordinate student participation in committees such as faculty councils and senates. At the national level, the ÖH coordinates policy across universities and represents students in discussions with government ministries, universities, and other stakeholders.

Elections to ÖHs are held every two years, with students voting to elect delegates and candidates from various lists or independent groups. ÖH funding comes from student contributions and public subsidies. The organization is nonprofit and aims to serve student welfare, rights, and constructive involvement in campus life.

Functions of the ÖHs include advocacy on education policy, tuition and access, and campus life; provision of counseling and legal advice; support for housing, mental health, and anti-discrimination initiatives; and campaigns on equity, research access, and education quality. They also negotiate student services with universities and may run advisory programs for students.

Although individual ÖH groups may be associated with national or local political movements through student lists, the ÖH itself is a non-profit, non-governmental body dedicated to representing students and coordinating their interests across Austrian higher education.